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Dr. Charis Chambers is encouraging fathers to become more involved in conversations about menstrual health and puberty.
During a recent discussion, the reproductive health expert explained that periods should not remain only a mother-and-daughter conversation. Instead, she believes fathers also play an important role in helping their daughters feel supported and understood.
“Dads are in this, too. This isn’t just a mom conversation,” Chambers said during the conversation.
She explained that fathers do not necessarily need to lead every discussion about menstruation. However, she said they should not remove themselves from the process.
Dr. Charis Chambers Says Fathers Should Support Period Conversations
According to Chambers, many fathers step away from menstrual conversations because they feel uncomfortable or unsure about what to say.
She believes that hesitation can create distance between fathers and daughters during important stages of development.
“When fathers remove themselves as a source of help, comfort and support, that is the opportunity we are missing,” she explained.
Chambers said daughters notice when their fathers avoid conversations about their changing bodies. Over time, that discomfort may affect their relationship and make children question why certain topics feel difficult to discuss.
She encouraged fathers to focus less on having the perfect words and more on being present.
Fathers Do Not Need to Be Experts, Chambers Says
Chambers acknowledged that many dads wonder what they should say during conversations about periods and reproductive health.
However, she said parents do not need to know everything before showing support.
She compared it to other challenges adults learn through experience. When people have the desire to help their children, they often find ways to understand their needs.
Her book, she explained, serves as a resource for fathers who want to become more confident in supporting their daughters.
Chambers said her goal is to make fathers’ involvement in reproductive health “essential” rather than unusual.
Starting Body Conversations Early Helps Children
Chambers also discussed how parents can build trust with their children before puberty begins.
She advised parents to start conversations about bodies at a young age and continue those discussions in an age-appropriate way.
According to Chambers, parents already talk about body awareness when teaching toddlers about hygiene and potty training. Those early moments create opportunities to introduce healthy conversations.
She explained that parents do not need to give children complicated explanations. Instead, they can provide simple answers that help children understand the world around them.
For example, a parent can explain that menstruation is a normal body process without overwhelming a young child with unnecessary details.
Open Communication Helps Children Avoid Shame
Chambers said avoiding conversations about puberty can cause children to search for answers elsewhere.
She warned that when parents refuse to discuss certain topics, children may assume those subjects are uncomfortable or inappropriate.
Instead, she encouraged families to create an environment where children feel safe asking questions.
Chambers compared these conversations to teaching children about everyday experiences. Parents explain things like airplanes without immediately discussing complex science. She believes body education should follow the same approach.
Fathers Can Help Daughters Feel Confident
The discussion also focused on helping girls understand that menstruation is a natural part of life.
Chambers emphasized that periods should not make girls feel embarrassed, limited or less important.
She said parents should help daughters recognize that their bodies are part of who they are and that puberty does not reduce their ability to live full lives.
By starting conversations early and offering consistent support, Chambers believes fathers can strengthen their relationships with their daughters.
Her message is simple: fathers do not need to have every answer, but they do need to show up.
Source: Information extracted from Dr. Charis Chambers’ interview transcript.
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